Pet Grooming in Kalamazoo

Kalamazoo's groomers range from neighborhood salons and pet-store grooming counters to mobile vans that work from your driveway. A full groom usually covers a bath, haircut, nail trim and ear cleaning; most groomers also offer bath-only visits, de-shedding and quick tidy-ups between full grooms.

Experience matters more than paperwork

Kalamazoo County defines a kennel as a facility where three or more dogs are kept for sale, boarding, breeding or training for compensation; grooming is not in that definition. So ask how long the groomer has worked, where they trained and whether they groom your breed often. A groomer that also keeps dogs overnight is boarding, so ask whether it holds a kennel license.

Your dog's license

Kalamazoo County Animal Services & Enforcement says Michigan law requires dogs to be vaccinated against rabies and licensed by the time they are four months old. Licenses are sold to county residents and renewed each year between December 1 and March 1, and proof of a current rabies vaccination is required. You can buy one online, by mail or in person at the shelter on Lamont Avenue.

Winter salt and summer heat

Kalamazoo winters bring snow, ice and salted sidewalks. Wipe your dog's paws after walks, and ask your groomer to keep the fur between the pads trimmed so ice and salt do not build up. In summer, book early-morning appointments, never leave your dog in a parked car, and for double-coated breeds such as huskies and shepherds, ask for a de-shed rather than a shave: the undercoat protects them from heat and sunburn.

Before the first appointment

• Tell the groomer about your dog's health, age and temperament.
• Ask how dogs are dried; if a cage dryer is used, someone should check the dog often.
• Ask which vaccines they require, and reschedule if your dog is coughing.
• If the coat is badly matted, ask about a short clip rather than hours of brushing out.

About these listings

Many listings here were added from public business data and have not been claimed by the business yet. Check hours, prices and services with the groomer directly. If you run one of these businesses, you can claim or correct your listing from its page.